CHARLESTOWN, NEVIS – JANUARY 21, 2026 — The Nevis Disaster Management Department (NDMD) is enhancing community resilience through faith-based partnerships after a productive meeting with Christian Council church leaders on January 21, 2026, at the Charlestown Methodist Church.
During the brief strategic session, Deputy Director Mr. Jacob Ngumbah presented the framework for the Nevis Multi-Hazard Awareness Calendar. This integrates schools, churches, community ambassadors, and parish-level outreach into a structured, year-round disaster risk reduction programme. The initiative outlines monthly focus hazards, coordinated school and church visits, youth engagement, and public awareness activities across all parishes.
Representatives of the Methodist, Catholic, and Anglican Churches welcomed the initiative and confirmed their commitment to participate. Their involvement supports a whole-community approach, recognizing the vital role churches serve as trusted community hubs, information networks, and support centers before, during, and after hazards. The framework includes:
- Monthly hazard themes (e.g., earthquake, landslide, tsunami, hurricane, flood, fire)
- Coordinated school and church visits
- Youth engagement through educational quizzes and media outreach
- Parish-based Disaster Communications Ambassadors supporting local preparedness efforts
- Alignment with regional observances and drills, including tsunami and disaster risk reduction activities
NDMD emphasized that disaster preparedness is a shared national commitment, not just a government responsibility. Faith-based institutions are key partners in promoting a culture of safety, awareness, and resilience.
“When churches, schools, and community leaders move together, disaster preparedness becomes part of everyday life rather than a seasonal message,” Mr. Jacob Ngumbah (Deputy Director, NDMD) remarks.
Additional coordination meetings will be scheduled to align church outreach with monthly hazard themes and parish engagement.